Madonna movie in Razzies race

Swept Away went straight to video in the UK

As Hollywood awaits this year's Oscars shortlist, the contenders for the least coveted award, the Razzies, have been announced.

Pop stars Madonna and Britney Spears lead the field for the awards that "dishonour" the worst in film.

Spears' big screen debut Crossroads collected eight nominations, while Madonna's Swept Away received seven, both including worst actress and worst film.

It is a bad year for singers-turned-actresses as Jennifer Lopez is also nominated for two of her films.

Other contenders for the worst film include Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Eddie Murphy's sci-fi comedy The Adventures of Pluto Nash and the live-action version of Pinocchio.

Winners of the 23rd Razzies, organised by the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation, will be announced on the eve of the Oscars, on 22 March.

Britney Spears made her big screen debut in Crossroads

Last year saw the first actor turn up at the Razzies ceremony as Canadian comedian Tom Green collected his award for worst actor for Freddy Got Fingered.

But it is not usually an award show that stars are keen to be seen at.

Swept Away saw Madonna directed by her husband Guy Ritchie, who is up for worst director and screenplay, in a remake of an Italian shipwreck movie.

But it bombed so badly in the US that it never received a cinema release in the UK.

Razzies founder John Wilson is forceful in his condemnation of Madonna's acting ability.

"It's a really awful remake of a highly regarded movie," he said.

"I think it's the most blatant example of the fact that Madonna simply cannot act. It's as though she decided she's going to be a movie star and will keep inflicting these movies on us till we cry uncle.

"But this one may finally end her film career."

Triple chance

But is not just Swept Away that Madonna has been lambasted for.

Her cameo in the Bond movie Die Another Day also gets a worst supporting mention, as does her theme tune to the film.

The Razzies have previously handed her the title of worst actress of the 20th Century.

Also in the worst actress category is Angelina Jolie for Life of Something Like It, Jennifer Lopez for Maid in Manhattan and Enough and Winona Ryder for Mr Deeds.

Eddie Murphy has a good chance of winning an award after picking up three worst actor nominations for three separate films - Pluto Nash, I Spy and Showtime.

Other nominees include Steven Seagal for Half Past Dead, Adriano Giannini for Swept Away and Adam Sandler for Adam Sandler's 8 Crazy Nights and Mr Deeds.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Begnini does not escape the wrath of the voters either - his film Pinocchio sees him nominated in the worst actor, director and screenplay categories.